Jurgen Klopp has justified his choice to lead global soccer at Red Bull and mentioned the challenge of joining a place where “everyone is content”.
The German, who departed Liverpool at the conclusion of the previous season, is facing backlash for his move to Red Bull, particularly from fans of his former team Borussia Dortmund.
In 2009, German football was polarized when Red Bull acquired fifth-division SSV Markranstadt and rebranded it as RB Leipzig.
The Austrian company owns Red Bull Salzburg, New York Red Bulls, and Red Bull Bragantino in Brazil and recently bought part of Leeds United.
Although RB Leipzig does not officially own the Bundesliga team, it finances it and has earned the title of the “most hated club in Germany. “This has led to protests from opposing fans, including boycotting games and the arrest of 28 Dortmund fans for throwing objects at rival supporters in 2017.
Klopp stated on Toni Kroos’ podcast that decisions should not be based on expected responses.
“I did not want to step on anyone’s toes. I love all my former clubs, but I don’t know what I could have done so that everyone is happy.
“I am 57 and can still work a few more years, but I did not see myself on the sidelines for now. It was clear for me that I would do something – so then Red Bull came.”
Klopp stated that he had never been so critical of Red Bull’s influence in football and expressed excitement about his new role starting in January.
“I can’t poll the fans and ask them, ‘what should I do?’ If I had gone to Bayern [Munich], there would have been a huge outcry in Dortmund,” he added.
“What should I do? I want to keep working. If you organize your life around trying to please everyone, you’ll fail every day.”
Klopp emphasized that he could not envision returning to coaching, not even at the international level with the German team.
He mentioned that his sole viable choice would have been coaching a national team, but he no longer desires to coach.